A simple keyboard-generated string pad can add much. But no matter how good the keyboard is anyone with much of an ear can tell it's an attempt to fake a real string section. Yet a live-player string section of session quality players can run $1,000 to $2,000 per song just to pay the talent, let alone studio costs!
Unless it's a major label funded project, that's too expensive. Indie artists, songwriters and record companies can't afford those lofty costs.
I've
found that a mix of keyboard-generated and live strings- typically
violins, often viola and cello- is a great compromise! Instead of a fake
sounding "quickie string part" to fill out the sound, it actually
becomes its own thing as the arrangement manifests and the parts
intertwine.
I produced the strings above as well as on the no-vocal rough mix of
"The Call" in the sidebar to your right and can do something similar on
strings for your song for under $300! That's under $300 total
including arranging the parts, talent and studio time!
Listen as
the two live violins follow the single keyboard string part, play
together, double the lead guitar part in spots, and often play
counterpoint to each other.
I think you'll find it amazing.
Interested?
If you need something beyond what you're hearing here, more complex or
more lengthy, send your rough quick mix and request a quote on "a blend
of keyboard-generated and live strings" to NashTraxStudios@gmail.com
Jenee Violins
Interested in booking studio time for your band or solo project at hourly rate? Use your credit card to send $375 to nashtrax@bellsouth.net via PayPal.com to pay for the minimum 5 hours of time at Nashville Trax Recording Studio which will confirm a 1 day booking. Engineer is included. Balance, if any, will be due in cash at days end, prior to mixes or files being exchanged. Additional days can be scheduled if needed at that time. Per hour rate is $75 per hour. E-mail or call 615-319-8616 immediately after or just prior purchase, to schedule the date and start time and obtain specific pricing for your project.
Professional session quality musicians and vocalists are available upon request. Extra per-song or hourly charges apply for musicians and/or session singers requested. 48 Hours notice required to schedule a session.
e-mail: nashtrax@bellsouth.net
Mailing Address:
Nashville Trax
2817 West End Avenue, Suites 126-259
Nashville, TN 37203 USA
Bill Watson, Producer
615-319-8616
All song material on this site is presented for demonstration of production values only. All other uses prohibited under U.S. and International copyright law.